The Dillon tribune., 1887-02-11

bly, well.worn sheet. Tin cups ana !'''''
tiers made humble substitution 'o' ''''"'
and were appropriately accompanied ~
cas-, iron knivc, and two tined 'o'S>'
Rachel's appetite had seemed s''''e's"'
for almost any food, but she conhheo "e'
breakfast to two or three crackers " ''''"
bread and few sups Of Golfer.
As they rose from the table 'he ooc'o'
informed her that he and the ste"a'0>
were about to make their morning 'onho
of the wards. and that she had better ac'
company them Sh: went along "'tho"'
a word.
They walked slowly up and dow" the
long aisles behind the doctor, who s:oopeo
before each COT and closely examined us
occupants tongue, pulse and other 'nd'ca'
,ions ot his condition, and gave prescr'p'
tions. which the stewar,! wrote down. as to
medicine and food. What was better still
we're hi, words Of sympathy for the very
i'll and ofchecry encouragement for the con-
valscent, which he bestowcf upon every
one.
Rachel dreaded at each step lest the
next bring her face IA face with some nor
riblc task which she would be expected to
undertake. But the doctor. with his usual
tact, was almost imperccpt;hly Inducing
her into her duties.
"Would Miss Bond kindly shake this
powticr into that cup and give il to that
boy;"
She did So, and was rewarded by the re-.
cipient's grateful look, as he said:
1T don't seem a, all nasty when ,o@
give it TO me-
"Would she hand that one this bit Of
,,,a.nesia for his heartburn:'
1t was a young lrishman who received
the magnesia with a gallant speech:
"raith, your white fingers have made it
swa,er than loaf sugar"
Rachc, colored deeply, and those within
hearing laughed.
\, the next cot fevcri>h boy tossed
wcarily. Rachel noticed the unco'ntort-
able arrangement Of The folded blanket
which did duty as Il pillow. She stepped
quickly to the head OF the cot, took the
blanket out, re!olded it with a few deft,
womanly motions, and replaced it with
cool surface uppermost.
30, that is so good" murmurcd the boy
half unclosing his eyes "lts Just as
mother would'vc done it."
DR.. Dcnslow looked earnest approval.
Rachel began to feel an interest kindling
in her work. 1t was not in wo,nanly ma.
turc to resist this cordial appreciation Of
all she did.
A few cots farther on boy wanted
letter written home. She was provided
with stationery, and, taking her place by
tho side Of the cot, received his instruc.
tons, and wrote to his anxious parents the
first news they had had from their only
son since they had been informed, two
weeks before, that he had been sent to the
hospital.
When she had finished she reioired the
doctor, who had by this time nearly com.
pleted his round OF the ward. As soon as
he was through he dismissed stewards and
! ward,nasters to their duties, and returned
with her to her room. 1t was so changed
that she thought she had made mistake
when she opened the door. The time Of
her absence had been we'll employed by a
detail O.: men, whom the doctor had pre-.
viously instructed. The floor was as white
and clean as strong arms with All abund.
ance Of soap and hot water could scrub it,
the walls and ceiling were neatly papered
with Harper's Weeklies and Frank Leslies
other paper. concealed the roughncss oI
the table and shelves, white sheets and
pillow cases had given the cot an air o|
inviting neatness, and before it laya square
Of rag carpet The window was shaded
with calico curtains, the tin basin and dip.
per had been secured to brightness, ane
beside them stood cedar water pail wit,
shining brass hoops.
"Ah," She said with Frightening lace
"this is something like living"
"Ies," answered DR. Denslow, "l
imagine it is some improvement upon III,
sandy desert in which yoa spent the nigh,
| hope We will soon be able to make it still
more comfortable"
(zobe CnHsixn..l,